GCSE History Revision: How to Write the Perfect PEEL Paragraph

If there’s one question my students ask me more than any other, it’s this: “How do I actually write a good paragraph in GCSE History?” And honestly, it’s a great question. Because in any GCSE History topic, getting top marks isn’t just about memorising facts — it’s about using them in a way that shows real understanding of the given topic.

Your GCSE History Examiners aren’t just looking for dates and events; they’re looking for arguments and explanations that makes them think, “Wow, this student really gets it.”

Here’s how you can write GCSE History paragraphs that do just that:

1. Start with a purposeful point

Consider the GCSE History Germany topic. A lot of students start with sentences like:“One reason why the Treaty of Versailles was unpopular was because it was harsh.”

That’s okay, but it doesn’t say much. Instead, I always tell my students: start with a point that has direction — show you understand why it matters.

Try this instead: “One key reason why the Treaty of Versailles was deeply resented in Germany was because it humiliated the nation by forcing it to accept full blame for the war.”

See how that shows understanding straight away?

2. Back it up with specific evidence

Once you’ve made your point, support it — but choose wisely. Too many facts can drown your argument; too few and you lose credibility.

Instead of just listing facts like:“Germany had to pay £6.6 billion, lose land, and reduce its army.”

Say this: “For example, Article 231 — the ‘War Guilt Clause’ — placed full blame on Germany, paving the way for massive reparations of £6.6 billion and leaving the economy in ruins.”

This shows you know the detail and how it fits.

3. Explain the impact — that’s where the marks are

Here’s where most GCSE History students slip up. They state the point and give evidence, but they forget to explain why it matters.

Ask yourself: So what? Why does this matter? What were the consequences?

For example: “This mattered because it left many Germans feeling unfairly punished, creating long-lasting anger towards the Weimar government — a feeling that extremist parties like the Nazis would later exploit.”

Now you’re linking causes and consequences, and that's exactly what us GCSE History teachers want to see.

4. (Optional) Link back to the question

For even higher marks, show how everything you’ve said answers the question directly.

“Therefore, the Treaty wasn’t just harsh — it fundamentally weakened the new democracy and created a mood of resentment that shaped the years to come.”

5. Use a clear structure: PEEL (or PEELCE)

• Point

• Evidence

• Explain

• Link (Optional: Context or Evaluation)

  
  

This isn’t a strict GCSE History formula you must follow forever. It’s a scaffold to help you build strong paragraphs — once you’re confident, you can adapt it to your own style.

Final thoughts from the GCSE History classroom

The GCSE History students who write the best history paragraphs don’t just memorise facts or copy templates. They think. They argue. They explain.

And above all, they practise.

Don’t wait until the exam to start. Write one GCSE History paragraph a day. Use past questions. Show your history teacher. Rewrite it. Make it better.

So, how do you get GCSE History Grade 9? Start with mastering the PEEL format first.